What to do first -

If you or a friend has been assaulted

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1. The first thing you can do after being assaulted is call a crisis counselor at 1 800-656-HOPE (4673) in the USA. Local hotlines can be found by state or zip code at RAINN . Call 911 if you are in danger now. If you are reporting a rape you should ask the local crisis center for a victim's advocate who will walk you through the process. For information on Reporting a rape click here.

http://www.rainn.org

International hotlines can be found in this

International Directory of hotlines

http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//internl.html

For a list of hotline directorys see:

RCIP

http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//rapecrisiscenters.html

 

2. Please read advice from RAINN on what to do immediately after being assaulted which includes: Write down all the details you can recall, find a safe environment and preserve evidence of the attack (don't brush your teeth or shower).

http://www.rainn.org/what-should-i-do/index.html

 

3. The next step would be to seek medical attention and have a rape kit done. It is important to make sure there is not a pregnancy (emergency contraception prevents this) or an STD. Urine samples determine whether there is a date rape drug in your system. The sooner you have these tests done the better. You can find local rape crisis medical services at medline, in a search engine or in the phone book.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rape.html

http://local.google.com/

4. If you choose to report the assault to the police it is important that you have a victim's advocate. You can find victim's advocates at your local rape crisis center or at Rape Crisis Victim Assistance. For immediate victim assistance call 1 800-879-6682. Studies have found that victims who had advocates with them during the police interview had a better overall experience. The advocate can also walk you through the entire legal process. Find advice on reporting here.

http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//vassist.html

http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/reporting.html

 

Tips:

• RAINN actually forwards you to a local crisis hotline. If you call RAINN you will be speaking to a local crisis center.
• Remember that the rape survivor community includes all types of people including men, LGBTQ, diverse cultures and the disabled. You are not alone.
• If you are feeling suicidal please call 1.800.SUICIDE (784.2433)

  http://www.befrienders.org/index.htm